The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

With the autumn here, escaping to a quick summer-ish getaway becomes harder and harder. Here’s why Fayoum may be the perfect place if you seek a calm sanctuary away from the city’s noise and stress. Known for its majestic nature and captivating beauty, Fayoum is still one of the most mood-changing and relaxing cities you can easily visit within 90 minutes of Cairo. We also know how overwhelming researching an itinerary can be, so we present a fully updated guide for Fayoum!

Qarun Lake

Located on the edge of Fayoum, Qarun Lake is perfect for starting your journey with its breathtaking view and fresh air, marking the start of a truly refreshing trip. There are multiple camps and cafes for breakfast and chilling by the lake.

Wadi El Rayan

As the centre of Fayoum, Wadi El Rayan carries the fun parts and the energetic activities of the trip. Fifteen minutes away from Qarun Lake, You can hike up Medawara Mountain, go sandboarding, watch the waterfalls, go on a safari, camp, listen to live music and enjoy the entertaining fire show by the end of the day.

El-Rayan Lake (Magic Lake)

A majestic body of water near Wadi El Rayan’s waterfalls to enjoy the sunset, the lake is so clear that it reflects all the sky’s colours, making your sunset experience absolutely magical.

You can also eat and drink at one of the cafes overseeing the lake, or go shopping near the waterfalls for a variety of handmade products, such as pottery plates, cups, textiles, and drums.

Kom Aushim Area

Located in Karanis Archeological city on the road to Fayoum, the Kom Aushim area contains tons of Greek and Roman artefacts that date back to the second Ptolemy era, showing the lives of ancient Egyptians during that time.

Museum of Caricatures

Fayoum Art Center contains a cartoon museum on Evelyn Street in Tunis Village that is dedicated to displaying the art and history of caricature. The displays are from old magazines dating back to 1919 and over 500 drawings from the early 20th century made by notable artists such as Salah Jaheen and George El Bahjoury.

Pottery School & Gallery

Tunis Village in Fayoum is known for its artistic role and creative essence. Located at the heart of the village is Ibrahim Samir’s pottery school, where you can enjoy numerous displays of ceramics and pottery. You can also join in for a quick pottery workshop for only an hour to learn the basics of shaping clay, colouring, and decorating ceramic pieces.

Dining Options:

At Wadi El Rayan, eating breakfast and enjoying badawy tea is a must, and definitely don’t miss out on the feteer feshaltet there. Following it with a BBQ grill lunch perfectly wraps the entire experience into a satisfying and delightful one. There are also many places to choose from in Wadi El Rayan and Tunis Village, besides multiple cafes and restaurants suiting different taste buds.

Where to Stay:

Zad El Mosafer Guest House

Zad El Mosafer guest house is a relaxing haven in Tunis Village with a private entrance that greets you with a lush green field full of flowers. The oval-shaped rooms provide a peaceful stay with their minimalist and boho décor and are surrounded by tents with traditional arab settings, which ultimately adds to the rustic experience. A must-try at Zad El Mosafer is the fresh bread from the local oven and the honey and cheese pie.

Waterside Loft

Another gem in Tunis Village is the Waterside Loft; a cosy vacation rental that you can easily book through their page, Booking.com, or Airbnb. With its jacuzzi and hot tub, Waterside Loft ticks off what’s missing from a Fayoum trip.

Lac Moeris Hotel

Located in Fayoum, overlooking the mesmerising beauty of Qarun Lake, Lac Moeris provides a 5-star glamping experience you won’t forget.